What are the 10 things that every dorm room should have?
Some of these answers are absolutely unnecessary.
I only lived in a real dorm for 1 year. Unless the dorm doesnt have a microwave within walking distance of your room, no use in getting one of those. I had one basically right out my front door. Buying one if you dont need it will waste space.
Loud stereo systems are not necessary, believe me, I know. Got in trouble MANY times because I tied a regular surround sound TV system to two separate sets of standard computer speakers. Just get a standard pair with a sub and headphones for when the room mate is asleep.
TV - bigger is indeed better, the bigger the TV the more your place will become a hangout.
Flip flops are a MUST if you are sharing a shower with more than your room mate, those get nasty fast. Shower tote is a good idea as well.
Mini fridge is good, preferably lockable if you arent sharing one directly with a room mate.
Vacuum cleaner, and a mop. Always keep cleaner stuff around as well. You'll know why after your first weekend.
With new keg laws, taking a keg into a dorm is just a flat out stupid idea. Just get to know people on campus and find the keggers that way.
Desk lamp is a good idea if the room mate sleeps constantly like mine did.
Establish a system with the room mate so you know when to NOT enter the room. Do this EARLY on! Get to know your RA, dont be a dick. If he likes you, you can get away with some stuff.
Most important though, get to know your neighbors, and even if you cant stand them, dont antagonize them. Just keep a mutual distance...you dont want trouble in a dorm, its too small and way to personal.
Good luck!
9 Answers
1. A good set of speakers to plug into your computer.
2. A mini-fridge/microwave combo
3. Wide but short bins to fit under the bed. Increase your storage space without just piling junk under the bed
4. A cheap TV
5. A second set of sheets so you can have clean sheets without running laundry
6. Something quirky that shows off your personality. Girls notice that and use it to make judgments about who you are. Pick something that makes you come off as cool, without coming off as trying to come off as cool.
7. Either a DVD player or something to hook your computer to the TV
8. A really good pair of headphones
9. A bathrobe so you don't need to change at the showers
10. This poster
I remember how I'd regret having too much crap to move out. People throw so much stuff out at the end of the year. Keep it simple. If I were going to college, this is what I'd bring:
1. Laptop
2. Printer
3. Alarm clock(preferably with stereo speakers)
4. SMALL LCD TV
5. Clothes
6. Toiletries
7. Some sort of lock box or locking case for valuables
8. Laundry BAG
1. Computer
2. Safe (I've had so much sh*t stolen from me)
3. Micro/toaster (and plenty of late night snacks)
4. Extra sheets - so the ladys think your clean
5. Condoms
6. recreational activities*
7. toiletries
8. Ipod (with speakers)
9. Work station
10. a roommate who isn't a dick
All of the above, plus, if you can afford it or find one on the cheap, a good rug. You'd be surprised how much--all Lebowski references aside--a good rug will tie a room together.
If you want to make your place an occasional hangout, or at least take away some of the dormy-ness of a dorm, try it. It promotes comfort, since it encourages people to keep their shoes off (though that isn't always a good thing).
My roommate and I converted our beds to bunk beds, got a futon and an oriental rug, and made our place into a (cheap dorm version of a) lounge. It was the most apartment-like room in the hall.
stripper pole...
everything else is just optional.
i always rented an apt while in college but i had a stripper pole at each one. it's a must have.
After having the greatest dorm room of all time, I can tell you what should be in it:
1. TV - the bigger the better.
2. Video Games - Drunk or not, they are a perfect time-killer.
3. Computer - Yeah, obvious.
4. Fridge - I had one that was inbetween a full size and a mini and come with a freezer. It was dinged and only cost like $20 more than a mini. Plus, a freezer is money.
5. Couch/Futon - Yeah, you sit on it.
6. Desk Chair(s) - Need additional seating for gaming, parties, etc.
7. Closet - All dorms come with this, and if you set yours up correctly, you should be able to hide a keg in there easy. Preffered method of entry = 4 a.m. on a Wednesday in a hockey bag.
8. Sound - computer speakers, stereo, etc.
9. Microwave - culinary necessity. A Pizzaz is money as well if you get the freezer (frozen pizza).
10. Coffee Table - We found one at IKEA that had a pivotable top, meaning you could hide stuff in the center...
Alex,
Depending on the size of your dorm room may dictate what you can physically put in your allotted space. (Also, if you're willing to use public appliances). The Top 10 Things I would find essential in my dorm room would be:
1. Refrigerator
2. Microwave
3. A comfortable chair for studying
4. A desk lamp
5. A 'Bumping' Sound system
6. Clothes Steamer
7. A hamper
8. Alarm Clock
9. Shower tote
10. Flip-Flops